Side car and Universal control not working

I recently got a MacBook. Although I love it, side car and universal control has recently stopped working (Note: I didn't change any settings!). I assumed that the reason for this was the lack of a wifi connection in my location. Although this is unlikely the problem since as of now I have a great wifi connection and the problem still persist. The error page my Mac is showing me says: "device timed out" (Screen shot attached below). Did anyone experience a similar problem? Does someone know how to fix it?

MacBook Pro 14″, macOS 12.5

Posted on Jan 8, 2023 2:51 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jan 10, 2023 7:55 AM

Hello PaulsTech,


First, confirm you meet the requirements: Universal Control: Use a single keyboard and mouse between Mac and iPad


  • Each device must be signed in with the same Apple ID using two-factor authentication. Universal Control does not support Managed Apple IDs.
  • Each device must be within 10 meters (30 feet) of each other and have Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Handoff turned on.
  • Your iPad must not be sharing its cellular connection and your Mac must not be sharing its internet connection.


If you do, continue with these related steps:

  1. Turn on Universal Control (using the steps above)


On your Mac:

  1. Choose the Apple menu > System Preferences > Displays
  2. Click Universal Control button
  3. Select 'Allow your cursor and keyboard to move between any nearby Mac or iPad' Leave the other two settings selected for now.


On your iPad:

  1. Open the Settings app
  2. Tap General > AirPLay & Handoff
  3. Turn on Cursor and Keyboard


After this, test the issue further. If you continue to have issues, disable Universal Control and test out Sidecar.


To test Sidecar:


Make sure you meet the requirements and set up and test Sidecar using these steps: Use an iPad as a second display for a Mac


If the issue persists with both Sidecar and Universal Control, then you'll want to contact Apple Support directly here: Official - Apple Support They'll need to take it from here.


Wishing you well, take care.

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1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jan 10, 2023 7:55 AM in response to PaulsTech

Hello PaulsTech,


First, confirm you meet the requirements: Universal Control: Use a single keyboard and mouse between Mac and iPad


  • Each device must be signed in with the same Apple ID using two-factor authentication. Universal Control does not support Managed Apple IDs.
  • Each device must be within 10 meters (30 feet) of each other and have Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Handoff turned on.
  • Your iPad must not be sharing its cellular connection and your Mac must not be sharing its internet connection.


If you do, continue with these related steps:

  1. Turn on Universal Control (using the steps above)


On your Mac:

  1. Choose the Apple menu > System Preferences > Displays
  2. Click Universal Control button
  3. Select 'Allow your cursor and keyboard to move between any nearby Mac or iPad' Leave the other two settings selected for now.


On your iPad:

  1. Open the Settings app
  2. Tap General > AirPLay & Handoff
  3. Turn on Cursor and Keyboard


After this, test the issue further. If you continue to have issues, disable Universal Control and test out Sidecar.


To test Sidecar:


Make sure you meet the requirements and set up and test Sidecar using these steps: Use an iPad as a second display for a Mac


If the issue persists with both Sidecar and Universal Control, then you'll want to contact Apple Support directly here: Official - Apple Support They'll need to take it from here.


Wishing you well, take care.

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Side car and Universal control not working

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